Almost entire British public agrees with compulsory microchipping

The majority of the British public agrees with compulsory microchipping, a survey by Petlog has found.

Petlog is the UK's largest database of lost and found pets and is owned and managed by the Kennel Club.

It found that almost 90 per cent of people think that dogs should be microchipped, as part of a survey to mark the end of a consultation into compulsory microchipping.

Celia Walsom, Petlog executive, said: "Unfortunately, press coverage surrounding compulsory microchipping has been focusing on the issue of dangerous dogs and has ignored the main objective of a microchip which is reunification.

"Unlike the collar and tag a microchip is permanent, so no matter how long a pet has been missing they can still be traced back to their original owner."

The survey also found that 38 per cent of people who are in favour of compulsory microchipping also believe it would help to tackle the problem of dangerous dogs.

Earlier this year, the Microchipping Alliance, which consists of a number of animal welfare organisations, released a report showing the economic benefits of compulsory microchipping.

It found that the move could save up to £20 million in reduced kennelling and other costs associated with stray dogs.